The theme for this feature is “Angst, suspicion, thrill and homophobia”

Those are a lot of tropes to club in a single feature but subjectively, they are some of the most trending topics in the BL industry in the current times. We will be touching base with each of them, because it is a given that more the thrill & angst, more riveting the story turns.

Reverse 4 You

“Reverse 4 You” definitely falls in the angsty, thriller category with oodles of romance. We cannot forget the fantasy element as well. Adapted from the novel “Reverse 4 you ดาวบริวาร” by Zezeho (ซีซีโฮ), this show is the first adaptation in the three book series. Starring Christine Gulasatree as a rich spoiled brat and Mae Methakarn as her resident soulmate, the show focuses on a time manipulative romance. Jattawa is an ordinary first-year law student, but she has the ability to control time, while her younger sister Vivi has the ability to see the future. Things take an interesting turn when Vivi forecasts that the campus rowdy, Four is Wa’s soulmate. They meet, fight, argue, bicker endlessly and fall in love. It is a magical experience until Vivi is murdered and all hell breaks loose. The slow burn romance coupled with the suspense surrounding the murderer will keep you hooked. The live-action adaptations for the remaining two novels are already underway, so better check this out before you watch the upcoming sequels (because they are based on Four & Wa’s children).

Our Youth

My current obsession, “Our Youth” has a delinquent male lead paired opposite the class topper. The scenario might seem cliche, there is zero to nil possibility that the smart guy might look after the school troublemaker. And yet it does happen because Minase Jin (Motojima Junsei) witnesses Hirukawa Haruki (Kamimura Kenshin) being abused by his father. The initial scenes where they are introduced are uncanny because Jin sees Haruki hit their teacher at school and in the next scene, he sees Haruki being assaulted brutally by his father. While Jin is drawn to Haruki because he seems so lonely and heartbroken, Haruki finds comfort and solace in Jin’s care. Junsei and Kenshin have a phenomenal chemistry, from the first time they kissed, they set the screen on fire. The slow burn, budding romance is addictive and the week-long wait is torturous!

Spare Me Your Mercy

I should have dubbed this feature as my “Current Obsessions”, because I’m definitely obsessed with “Spare Me Your Mercy”. Starring Tor Thanapob & JJ Krissanapoom in lead roles, the story leans heavily on the moral code of conduct concerning “Euthanasia”. Police Major Wasan returns to his hometown to tend to his terminally sick mother. Only he is late, and she passes away, leaving him in guilt. As he meets his mother’s palliative care doctor, Kan, there is a sudden rise in the death toll of terminally ill patients. Suspicion breeds romance, as Wasan doubts Kan’s intentions who is strongly in favor of Euthanasia. As they dance around their emotions for each other, more victims fall prey to the serial killer. Despite his doubts, Wasan can’t help but fall for the handsome, manipulative doctor who seems to have a hidden agenda. Tor and Jaylerr have an explosive chemistry; they don’t have any sensual scenes, yet their chemistry is sizzling hot and addictive!

Petrichor The Series

You say “Englot” and I would be right there, seated with popcorn watching one of my favorite GL couples romance the hell out of each other. It is slightly disconcerting watching beauty queens Engfa Waraha & Charlotte Austin in their deglam avatar with minimal makeup, but I guess that’s what their characters require. Adapted from the web novel “Petrichor — Rust in the Rain” by SixTeenSeven, the show stars Engfa as Lieutenant Tul, a rookie officer assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department and Charlotte as Ran, a physician from the Institute of Forensic Sciences. Tul is assigned to the team at a time when Ran is about to resign from her position. She is disappointed after working with police officers who aren’t committed to solving cases. Enter Tul who sets the record straight and does her best to seek justice for the victims. Despite being pressured by her superior, Tul never gives up on investigating her cases properly and draws conclusions based on the evidence and forensic advice from Ran. A serial killer is rampant and as they piece together fragments of evidence from a case that is decades old, Ran and Tul fall in love. Engfa & Charlotte have a top-notch, undeniable chemistry that is obviously the selling point of their shows; “Petrichor” is no different.

See Your Love

It has been so long since I actually enjoyed a Taiwanese BL. Starring Raiden Lin & Kim Yun in lead roles, the story revolves around Jiang Shao Peng, who is both deaf and mute. Despite his disability, Shao Peng endeavors to be an attentive caretaker. Only his potential employers aren’t interested in employing a deaf & mute caregiver. Unexpectedly he meets the rich, spoiled heir Yang Zi Xiang who is in Taiwan for a business collaboration; only he is least interested in the business affairs and wants to escape from his father’s tight control. He employs Shao Peng to use him as a detour to escape but unfortunately the plan falls flat and Zi Xiang ends up injured. Without realising his true intentions, Shao Peng cares for him and Zi Xiang slowly falls in love with Shao Peng. Shao Peng is strong, and yet he is insecure about his disability, Zi Xiang helps him come to terms with his inabilities and accept them. On the other hand, Shao Peng becomes Zi Xiang’s comfort zone, and he works hard, so he could stand beside Shao Peng proudly. The main leads have a natural chemistry which is somber and heartwarming.

Fourever Project

If you are wondering why this show is on our list, then it is solely because the homophobic factors that play against main leads, Hill (Pond Ponlawit) and Easter (Earth Katsamonnat). While Hill has to deal with his homophobic grandfather, Easter has a hardheaded father who is against his son being gay. With same-sex marriage being legalized in Thailand, you might question their behavior; but the legality doesn’t mean the society is approving of the LGBTQ community. Hill’s grandfather and Easter’s father are prime examples of people who are more worried about societal obligations than their children’s happiness. Easter is forced to leave his home and loses contact with Hill because of his father. Pond and Earth portray the turmoil faced by their characters well. As an added bonus, we also have the sweet romance between the second lead couple, Johan (Maxky Ratchata) and North (Bas Hatsanat) which is equally endearing!

Mate

Chao Planoy’s novels always have disconcerting characters; their moral compass is quite questionable. Just like Genlong (Grace Budsarin), the rich heiress who is not just the main lead but also hugely homophobic. Things spin out of control when her mother takes her to a tarot reader who predicts that Genlong’s soulmate is a woman. Surprisingly, she meets her childhood friend, Aoey (Oaey Ponchanok) who is homeless and looking for part-time jobs to support her studies. Genlong allows her to stay at her condo and even gets her a steady job. Aoey was abused by her stepfather and suffers from night terrors. As Genlong takes care of Aoey every night, she slowly starts falling for her friend. The only glitch being that her mother had warned her against falling for a woman. Coupled with her own homophobic tendencies, Genlong starts pushing Aoey away. Despite forcing her to date other men, Genlong feels extremely possessive towards Aoey. Grace and Oaey have a refreshing chemistry & it is interesting to watch their budding romance, no matter how confusing it is!

Teenager Judge

Vietnamese BL “Teenager Judge” is an almagation of school bullying and rampant homophobia coupled with sexual harassment. The show stars Ba Vinh and Min Hin in lead roles as stepbrothers. You might find it cliche, as stepbrother romance are abundant these days. What makes this show unique is the shocking depiction of homophobia. Ba Vinh is one of the most popular BL actors in Vietnam, his somber portrayal of a gay character, who is constantly rebuked by his teacher and ridiculed by his classmates will make you cry. Despite being a rookie actor, Min Hin does his best to support Ba Vinh in their rendition of a taboo same sex relationship which isn’t acceptable to the society and might not be accepted by their parents either.

No matter the trope you prefer, there is something for everyone in this article. Check out these shows if it ticks the correct boxes for you!